First MLA announces retirement ahead of 2023 Alberta Election

Alberta NDP MLA for Edmonton Rutherford Richard Feehan has announced that he will not be seeking re-election after two terms in office.

Feehan ad the announcement via a social media post saying, "I have been privileged to represent the constituency of Edmonton-Rutherford since May 5, 2015 and it has been a wonderful experience. The support I have received from the people of Edmonton-Rutherford has been tremendous and I have developed many new and lasting friendships. I am grateful to all the volunteers that have put in so much of their time and resources to enable me to be successful in twice winning elections."

In 2015, Feehan beat the Progressive Conservative candidate Chris Labossiere by 40 percent. He went on to win re-election in 2019 with 54 percent of the total vote.

Feehan was appointed Minister of Indigenous Relations in February of 2016. He took over the role from MLA Kathleen Ganley who was also serving as Alberta's Attorney General at the time.

Feehan said that he was proud of the work he accomplish for his riding and the province but was grateful for the opportunity to serve in cabinet, " I am proud of our Apology for the 60s Scoop, signing the long-delayed agreement for the Lubicon First Nations, the Clean Water to Reserves program, the Indigenous Climate Leadership Program, the civil service education program and the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People as a pan-governmental policy. Much still needs to be accomplished, but the progress we made is profound."

In the announcement Feehan said that he would be serving out the remainder of his term as MLA for Edmonton-Rutherford, then looking forward to spending time with his family.

The next general election in Alberta is expected in Spring of 2023.